What do daily drumbeats, precision Swiss watches, and high-performing manufacturing teams have in common? Rhythm. Structure. Balance.
When it comes to operational excellence, daily huddles keep the beat – fast, frequent, and focused. Improvement initiatives run at a slower pace, like the deep thud of a bass drum, driving long-term change.
But there’s a third element often overlooked: the weekly huddle. This is the snare drum in the rhythm section – the steady pulse that holds everything together.
In this episode, we discover the real power of the weekly pulse check. How it highlights trends, uncovers deeper issues, and shines a light on what’s working. Aviation and business leadership share more in common than most realise. Imagine stepping into the cockpit of a brand-new Boeing 787 — surrounded by cutting-edge digital screens and a world where precision, preparation, and accountability rule the skies.
Behind every smooth flight lies a hidden system of rigorous planning, disciplined communication, crystal-clear accountability, constant course-checking, and meaningful metrics — the same principles needed to unlock excellence in any organisation.
From meticulous pre-flight meetings to sterile conversations below 10,000 feet, the cockpit offers a masterclass in high-stakes leadership and operational mastery.
Today’s journey explores the lessons modern aviation can teach about setting strategy, managing risk, staying aligned, and leading teams through turbulence.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Daniel Pink’s TED Talk, ‘The Puzzle of Motivation’
https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation
Donna McGeorge’s ‘The 25 Minute Meeting’
https://donnamcgeorge.com/books/the-25-minute-meeting
To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/
MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/
